Jennifer Saunders' cancer battle

'Absolutely Fabulous' star Jennifer Saunders has secretly undergone eight months of treatment and battled breast cancer.

Jennifer Saunders has secretly battled breast cancer.

The 'Absolutely Fabulous' actress underwent eight months of treatment after finding a lump last October, but decided not make news of her illness public.

After an operation to remove the tumour, the TV star lost her hair as she underwent punishing courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions.

Doctors have now given the mother-of-three the all-clear and friends say the star - who turned 52 on Tuesday (06.07.10) - has remained strong and courageous throughout.

One said: "She has been extremely sick over the course of the treatment particularly during the chemotherapy.

"But Jennifer is nothing but a fighter and she was determined to beat it and make a full recovery."

Jennifer has been supported throughout by her husband, former 'Young Ones' star Adrian Edmondson, 53, and her three daughters Ella, 24, Beatrice, 22, and 19-year-old Freya.

Jennifer was seen in public last week wearing a wig and bandana on a day out to the Wimbledon tennis championships with her eldest daughter Ella.

The star is said to be thankful for her quick diagnosis after doctors broke the bad news days after she discovered the lump.

Jennifer is now looking to the future and friends say she is unlikely to talk about her battle with cancer in public.